The jewel of the Champagne wine region, less than 2 hours from Paris, Reims is the epitome of French elegance. Here, a little bit of history awaits you around every corner! This emblematic city in northeastern France is renowned for its Gothic cathedral, where many French monarchs were crowned. But there's much more to Reims than this majestic edifice. You'll need a 2-day weekend to discover its cultural heritage and architectural treasures. So, what can you do in Reims in two days?
Day 1: Reims Cathedral, Porte de Mars and Basilique Saint-Rémi
The sumptuous and historic cathedral is, of course, one of the must-sees in Reims in 2 days. This visit, while relatively quick, is accompanied by other exciting discoveries on this first day.
Morning: Reims Cathedral and Porte de Mars
Your weekend begins in Reims' Place Royale. The city's nerve center, it proudly boasts a statue of Louis XV. This lively cobblestone square is surrounded by period buildings that have retained all their charm.
Reims Cathedral, a must-see in Reims in 2 days
Just off the Place Royale, discover the city's undisputed jewel: Reims Cathedral. We recommend that you book a guided tour of the cathedral right here , to discover its full history, as this historic nugget, the site of the coronation of numerous kings of France, certainly deserves your full attention. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it fascinates locals and visitors alike with its Gothic beauty and rich historical heritage. A visit to this emblematic cathedral leads you to discover its grandiose architecture and colorful stained glass windows. A discovery full of surprises!
Normally, a visit to the nearby Palais du Tau is a must. Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers an insight into France's royal history. Let yourself be carried away by its richly decorated rooms and collections of royal objects. Please note, however, that it is closed for renovation until 2025.
Porte de Mars and cryptoporticoes
Head up the street to admire the Porte de Mars, an ancient Gallo-Roman monument symbolizing the transition from war to peace. Its imposing arches invite you to take a journey through time, revealing echoes of past battles and daily life. Witness to a rich history, it links contemporary Reims to its past: a visit not to be missed!
Good to know: between the cathedral and the Porte de Mars, you pass the Place du Forum, where you can visit the underground Reims: the cryptoportiques.
It's time to stop for a meal on Rue de Vesle, one of the city's liveliest streets. Reims is a city renowned for its gourmet specialties: don't miss your chance to treat your taste buds!
You can also choose to take a city-center discovery tour, including a champagne tasting, by booking here.
Afternoon: Basilique Saint-Rémi
After a fine meal sprinkled with Champagne snails, various dishes with Champagne sauce, and pink cookie cake, your afternoon begins at the Basilique Saint-Rémi, home to the tomb of Saint-Rémi, a major figure in the Christianization of France. With its Romanesque pillars and Gothic vaults, it's definitely worth a visit. Its touching simplicity, combined with its spiritual richness, makes it a pleasant visit to make in Reims. Go here to pre-book your 1.5-hour guided tour of the Basilica of Saint-Rémi and discover its history.
After all this sightseeing, take the time to relax in the Parc de Champagne, where tranquillity and multiple leisure activities blend harmoniously, all added to an absolutely charming artistic note. Finally, this first day ends at the Villa Demoiselle, with its delightful blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspiration. Its ornate façade and sumptuous interiors immediately plunge you into the luxury of the early 20th century. Each meticulously decorated room bears witness to the craftsmanship of the period. A true marvel!
And why not round off your first day at theOpéra de Reims?
Day 2: Discover Champagne and museums in Reims
To spend a weekend in Reims without taking an interest in its world-renowned beverage would be criminal! Champagne is in the spotlight, and ready to reveal its secrets..
Morning: Champagne rediscovered
Three must-visit addresses await you during your 2-day visit to Reims. The first is the Maison de Champagne Veuve Clicquot, where the process of making this refined beverage is revealed to you. A sophisticated and rather unusual tasting experience, which we recommend! A guided tour explains the art of winemaking, ending with a tasting session. Each glass tells the story of a terroir, a winemaker, a family. It's a visit not to be missed! go here to book your excursion to the Veuve Clicquot family farm.
The other must-see address linked to this renowned luxury beverage is the Maison de Champagne Taittinger, founded in 1734. Explore its cellars, filled with treasures testifying to ancestral know-how. From vineyard to cellar, this immersive experience takes place in a warm and welcoming setting, managed by passionate winemakers. The Taittinger cellars offer an exciting wine tourism experience: book your guided tour of the Taittinger cellars, including tasting,right here!
Finally, your last option for discovering this beverage during your 2 days in Reims is the Maison de Champagne Pommery, founded in 1836. In a resolutely elegant setting, you'll discover cellars housing exceptional cuvées, testimony to generations of artisanal know-how. Cuvée Louise, for example, embodies the excellence of the house. Follow your passionate guide step by step, transforming each tasting into a special moment: book your tour of Reims' famous champagne cellarshere , with tastings and lunch included.
You can also discover the Champagne countryside by booking this tour of Dom Pérignon's village, Hautvillers, where you'll discover a historic vineyard and two family-run cellars.
Afternoon: Culture break in Reims museums
Culture Time ! The end of your stay in Reims takes you to one of the city's museums. One of the most impressive (and amazing!) is the Musée Automobile Reims-Champagne, located on Avenue Georges Clemenceau. Your visit takes you on a tour of almost 250 vehicles, from the first automobiles of the early 20th century to models from the 1980s. At your own pace, you'll follow the aisles dedicated to different eras, admiring rare and little-known models such as the Zèbre, Sima Violet and Cime. Emblematic cars from the 1930s with Art Deco designs, such as the 1936 Panhard Dynamic, rub shoulders with cars from the 1950s with more fluid body styles, like the Delahaye 235. A truly unusual visit!
The second museum worth visiting is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, whose origins date back to 1794, when it was seized during the revolution. Building on its success, it gradually expanded its collection throughout the 19th century, thanks to donations, bequests and purchases by the city. Initially housed in the Hôtel de Ville, it was transferred to the buildings of the former Saint-Denis Abbey in 1913.
Please note! In September 2019, the museum closed its doors to undertake the relocation of its collections, as well as rehabilitation and extension work. It is due to reopen in 2025. During its closure, the museum will continue to offer activities outside its walls.
Where to stay in Reims? Our selection of the best hotels
Here's an ideal city to visit in springtime in France! Reims unveils all its wonders in the summertime, including wine tours. Its charm is also revealed in winter, when Reims takes on the air of an ideal Christmas destination. The esplanade Jean-Louis Schneiter and the esplanade de la Porte de Mars are decked out with over 100 chalets for the Christmas market!
Whatever the season, you'll have no trouble finding a charming downtown hotel close to all amenities. The area around the cathedral is an ideal place to set down your suitcases, as are the Place Drouet d'Erlon and the Place du Forum.
- The historic plus
Ideally located near the Place du Forum, the Grand Hôtel des Templiers plunges you into the refinement of another era. Luxurious wood predominates, in an upscale ambience of atypical charm. This is surely one of the finest addresses in Reims, so book your stayhere !
- Best value for money
Located right next to Les Halles Boulingrin, Hôtel Azur offers a range of room sizes, just a stone's throw from the main points of interest. In a friendly atmosphere, couples and families can stay at affordable prices by booking right here. You can even start a morning of your 2 days in Reims at the city market.
- Art Deco in the spotlight
Immerse yourself in an extraordinary Art Deco atmosphere at the Continental Hôtel, located on Place Drouet d'Erlon and bookable in just a few clicks here. Located near the train station (a good point for him!), it immerses visitors in an authentic atmosphere, halfway between artistic charm and modernity. A great address!
Looking for a cheap weekend getaway in France? You've found the perfect place in Reims!
Your short stay in the sparkling City of the Sacres and Champagne comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories. Yes, Reims is a great place to live, and one of the best places to retire in France! Now that you've had your fill of its wonders, you're ready to set off and discover the other treasures of the Grand Est region. Colmar, Nancy or Metz: treat yourself!
